‘Soldier On’ announces the opening of their new facility, and calls upon the community to help give back.
Soldier On, an organization dedicated to providing housing and support for veterans facing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes, is set to open the doors of its new facility in Tewksbury this spring. This long-awaited opening of the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community will welcome twenty-one veterans with a safe, stable living environment. These veterans were selected through a lottery, with fifty-four applicants vying for a spot in the new facility.
Bruce Buckley, the CEO and President of Soldier On, expressed his excitement for the project, stating, “Soldier On is thrilled to see the Tewksbury Veterans Village ready to house twenty-one veterans who are currently unhoused. This facility will offer not just apartments, but a supportive community. We are eager to open in early March and to become an active member of the community.”
As the opening day approaches, Soldier On is calling on the local community to help fulfill a critical need for household items for the veterans. The organization has created an Amazon Wishlist listing the essential items required to make the new facility fully operational and comfortable for its residents.
The Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community is slated to receive its Certificate of Occupancy on February 26th. Following that, furniture delivery and assembly are scheduled for March 3rd. In the week after, Soldier On aims to bring in the necessary houseware items, ensuring that the veterans moving into the facility will have everything they need to settle into their new homes.
The organization is reaching out for support to ensure that the veterans have a smooth transition into their new living spaces. Donations can be made directly through Soldier On’s Amazon Wishlist, which contains a wide range of needed housewares.
In addition to these preparations, Soldier On recently held a housing orientation for the veterans at Wamesit Lanes – Family Entertainment Center, a long-time partner of the organization. Janelle Wagstaff, Marketing Director at Wamesit Lanes, shared how proud they are to support Soldier On, noting, “We strive to give back to the community, and we are proud to support a program like Soldier On, which ‘only wants what’s good.’”
During the orientation, several veterans expressed deep gratitude for the support they had received. One veteran thanked Soldier On as well as the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation and the New England Patriots Foundation, both of which contributed to a joint match grant that helped fund the facility’s construction. This veteran reflected on the generosity they had encountered, saying, “You can come with just the clothes on your back and be provided for.”
Other veterans expressed their relief and excitement at the prospect of having a stable home. One said, “I need to get out of where I am. I want to be in a good place,” while another shared, “They have lots to give.”
The twenty-one veterans preparing to move into the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community are excited to become a part of the Tewksbury neighborhood. Soldier On is encouraging local residents to extend their support to these veterans, who have selflessly served our country. By offering a helping hand, the community can play an integral role in welcoming these veterans and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive in their new homes.
…
Soldier On will be hosting a fundraiser May 18th at Wamesit Lanes.
Kari Weinstein
Kari studied Journalism and Advertising at Boston University and lived in Boston for 10 years, most recently moving to Tewksbury in early 2024. She has experience writing and producing content for radio and television.
Where is the Soldier On community located. Amazon’s delivery is in Pittsfield.
All items are being shipped to their headquarters because the apartment building is still a construction site. Once the building is completed and they have the certificate of occupancy, the items will be distributed. The new building is 1660 Main Street.
[…] inside Wamesit Lanes. This year’s event is particularly meaningful, as it marks the first time newly housed veterans from the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community will be in […]